Stroke Flashcards
What is a stroke?
Disruption of blood supply to the brain causing ischaemia and brain damage
What 2 types of stroke are there?
- Ischaemic Infarction
2. Intracranial Haemorrhage
What causes an Ischaemic Infarction? (5)
Atheroma, thromboembolism (usually from the carotids or AF), trauma, infection, tumours
What causes Intracranial Haemorrhage? (4)
Cerebral Microangiopathy, Aneurysm rupture, Anticoagulation, Thrombolysis
Are strokes common?
they are a major health problem in the UK and are the 3rd most common cause of death, 900,000 are living with the after effects
Who do they affect?
They are most likely to occur above the age of 65
Risk factors
Age, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, heart disease (valvular, ischaemic, AF), peripheral vascular disease, Previous TIA, carotid bruit, OCP, Hypercholesterolaemia, ,alcohol use
Signs and Symptoms of a Haemorrhagic Stroke (8)
Sudden onset, meningism, headache, coma, contralateral sensory loss, hemiplegia, flaccid limbs that become spastic, dysphasia
Signs and symptoms of Ischaemic Stroke (7)
Carotid Bruit, Irregular pulse, contralateral sensory loss, hemiplegia, flaccid limbs that become spastic, dysphasia, facial drooping
Differentials (5)
Hypoglycaemia, TIA, CNS tumour, Subdural bleed, Drug overdose
Investigations (7)
FBC, ESR and Glucose, CT, MRI, Chest X-ray, ECG, ECHO, Carotid Duplex Ultrasound
First line Treatment: (3)
Protect the airway from asphyxia, thrombolysis if ischaemic, surgical management if haemorrhagic
Other treatment: (5)
300mg Aspirin then 75mg, 300mg Clopidogrel then 75mg, Control cardiovascular risk factors, rehabilitation, occupational and physiotherapy
Complications (9)
Neurological problems, neurological pain, depression & anxiety, cognitive impairments, speech and communication difficulties, bladder and bowel problems, dysphagia, sexual dysfunction, difficulties with activities of daily living
